Clothed in Gratefulness

 It has officially been forever and a day since I wrote a post. I miss you guys! I miss updating you on all things #tinygirlbigmiracle, but we rarely slow down. Quick stats and recap....

We just finished the 3rd grade?? Can you believe? Our girl is now a whopping 9 years old. She will be an AES senior next year. Where in the world did the time go? 

I'm currently working on going through her closets (yes, I said closets with an s) and pulling outfits to consign and donate. I'm a basketcase. Why? Because, y'all it's the outfits for me. They get me EVERY single time. 

Years before Dani Marie danced into our lives, I'd always notice the tiny onesies and outfits everywhere we went. Early in our season of waiting, I purchased a couple of things. I remember a specific pair of shoes and a 1st Christmas outfit. I didn't really get it way back then, but looking back now I see it all so clearly. For me, those tiny outfits have always represented the hope of a little one to fill them. I know for some people it is other things. I think photographs, birthdays, etc. that really represent special milestones. For me, it has always been the outfits. 

Friends have jokingly told us that they have never seen Dani Marie in the same thing twice. She is always themed out for every occasion. We take great care and lots of time picking out her new bathing suits, holiday "costumes", even graphic tees these days. Over the years, this has spilled into Dani Marie. She puts lots of thought and effort into what she wears. One of her favorite terms is "on trend" and she loves to model a fur vest, fashionable print, or sparkly hair accessory. She is finding her own style. 

I love that she loves fashion. I have always encouraged her to pursue that passion. She, even at a young age, values her wardrobe. It's not in a superficial way. It's in a sweet and grateful way. She knows that the handmade items cost more and they mean the most to her. She values the time put in to create one of a kind, "custom" pieces. She has learned which colors best compliment her skin tone. Fabric texture and quality if so important to her. "It might be cute, but if it makes me itch...its a firm no for me!"That is still one of my favorite phrases to have come out of her mouth.Thanks to her Aunt Am, she even realizes that a change in accessories can dress up or down an outfit. She is a true fashionista, and I'm here for it. 

This brings us to this morning. I am weeding out things that even though they may fit, no longer work for her style. Tears are flowing, because outfits are always such a tangible reminder to me how precious time really is, and that once it is gone..you can't get it back.She no longer wants to wear smocked dresses. She has outgrown them. The stack is high, y'all. It's full of 24 smocked dresses. I look at it and I see them. I don't see just smocked dresses. I see Thanksgiving lunch spent with Daniel's family, and now with his grandmother's health declining that dress is even more special to me. I see her first performance in a church choir, a special Chick-Fil-A date with her daddy that she insisted they overdress for, Easter egg hunts after church, preschool graduation, awards ceremonies, and so much more. I realize as I tag these outfits, that I will no longer be seeing her as the true definition of a little southern girl in pearls and smocked dress and it is a tough pill to swallow. 

Other outfits that will no longer be spotted in her closets or on our girl are her Disney princess outfits. She has every single one and a Minnie Mouse boutique costume to boot. To the average eye, they look like Bippity Boppity Boutique overstock, but not to me. That stack holds all the memories of her planning out which princess she might bump into at her favorite place, Disney World. She made us pack every dress into our backpacks each vacation, just in case she bumped into someone. She would not hear of meeting Jasmine in Epcot without her outfit to slip on for a photo op. The time she went to dine with the Snow White crew, the Evil Queen herself asked her, "Was the outfit not enough? You had to have "HER" on your necklace, too?" This said in reference to the fact that Dani Marie was dressed as Snow White with a figurine on her bubble gum necklace to match. We will most likely continue making trips to Disney, but she has too quickly outgrown her princess dresses. 

Ruffle pants, party dresses, and giant bows are all being retired. She now prefers a graphic tee, "but only the ones with a positive vibe" and character hoodies. Pink is no longer her signature color, it's been replaced by red. Scrunchies and headbands are her new staple. 

As I sit here, I'm so emotional. I have cried tears this morning, because the "little girl" season has passed way too quickly. I did the same thing when I packed away baby outfits and toddler fashion items. I mourned the passing of our baby season. I had no idea that the "little girl" season would be even more fun. We made so many memories in these outfits. I will miss seeing her in them for sure, but if I close my eyes just long enough I can still see her twirl in her Cinderella dress like it was yesterday. I'm crying, but I'm not mourning. I'm full of gratefulness and eagerly embracing the next season. I have learned that they each pass in the blink of an eye, so while her "preteen" years seem to be coming faster than I could have ever imagined, I'm ready to soak every single day up. The truth of the matter is, prom fashion, graduation robes, and wedding dresses will all likely come much sooner than we would like to think. So, for now I will say goodbye to these "little girl" outfits and kiss her sweet face (much later this morning when the sleepy head finally wakes) and soak up all that this current season has to offer. 

Y'all weren't lying when you said they grow up way too fast. Wheeewwww.... it is so true. This summer, we have all kinds of plans. It is the very last "elementary summer" for our girl. I think we will make it a good one. Love y'all lots!